Plenty of animal lovers adore the idea of having a pet snake. But, it can be challenging to choose between so many fascinating and alluring species.
The milk snake has become a popular option for many reptile owners, and there are quite a few factors to be aware of considering its temperament and handling necessities.
Milk snakes are docile, peaceful, and playful, especially when cared for from childhood, and appreciate being handled gently. The species experiences occasional mood swings at certain age milestones, but their loveable personality, ease of care, and lengthy lifespan make them great pets.
Lampropeltis are becoming increasingly popular as household pets, and they are favored compared to many other snake species.
Some inherent genetic traits make the milk snake more preferable, but many aspects concern its personality.
Join us to find out about the milk snake’s temperament, handling demands, and why it makes such an excellent pet for reptile lovers.
Everything you need to know about caring for Milk Snakes in captivity:
Read our Milk Snake Care Sheet (Complete Guide)
What’s the Temperament of a Milk Snake?
Milk snakes are common as household pets and are favored by many reptile caregivers due to their loveable personalities and straightforward care.
- Peaceful
The milk snake species is generally very peaceful, particularly towards caregivers. This snake species is not aggressive or confrontational, a common deterrent for owning many snake species as pets. But, they will still become defensive if they feel threatened.
- Docile
Milk snakes, irrespective of the type of milk snake, are well-known for their gentle, calm, and passive demeanor. The milk snake species is typically quite laidback in temperament, although they still enjoy being active on their own terms. They experience mood swings when they are babies, teenagers, and seniors, but they are otherwise well-mannered and friendly.
- Adaptable
Compared to many other snake species commonly cared for as pets, the milk snake does incredibly well concerning its domestication and adjustment to living in captivity. Especially when cared for from birth, the milk snake species adapts to its surroundings and does fairly well in households, provided that the living conditions are adequate for the species.
Are Milk Snakes Good Pets?
Yes, milk snakes are fantastic pets for all reptile lovers, as they have plenty of inherent genetic traits that make them preferable compared to many other snake species.
These traits are in addition to their loveable, charming, and mellow personalities, making them great all-around companions within homes.
Non-Venomous Species
Unlike many fascinating and enticing snake species, the milk snake is non-venomous. Snake venom is undoubtedly one of the most stress-inducing factors when considering having a snake as a pet, and many owners choose the milk snake since this area is void of the related risks.
It’s well-known that depending on the species, snake venom can be harmful at best and lethal at its worst, and the milk snake’s non-venomous traits match its gentle nature. Even though it’s unlikely to bite caregivers, it’s still great to know that a potential bite from a milk snake will be more painful than daunting.
Minimal Care Over Time
Besides ensuring that the milk snake’s living environment or enclosure is the right temperature, has adequate lighting, and is equipped with necessary amenities, the milk snake demands very little care over time.
The fact that this snake species is docile and adapts well within the home assists this attribute.
While milk snakes require more attention and maintenance when they are young, the same could be said for any other pet.
Once they reach maturity, they do not need to be fed very often, and do well with stable household routines, making them great low-maintenance pets.
Lengthy Lifespan
Unlike some household snakes that do not live very long, milk snakes can live for years or even decades with the right care plan, nutrition, and living environment.
Their lengthy lifespan makes them excellent pets since owners can develop strong bonds with their pet, and milk snakes can quickly become a valuable member of the family, providing companionship through many momentous occasions for owners.
Do Milk Snakes Like To Be Handled?
Yes, although milk snakes are mostly shy and timid and generally do not appreciate being the center of everyone’s attention, they appreciate being handled with plenty of tender love and care.
Handling communicates love and affection for milk snakes and is indispensable when building a solid and trusting relationship.
How to Handle a Milk Snake
Every owner has their “special thing” with their milk snake, and such affection undoubtedly strengthens the bond between the caregiver and the pet. But, what is most important is that caregivers are always gentle. Generally, milk snakes should be picked-up facing away from the handler by grabbing the mid-section and lifting it.
Milk snakes like to receive affection in varying ways and are straightforward to handle since they are not too large, provided that caregivers are tender to the touch and move around cautiously. Since they are passive, brisk movements should be avoided, and special care should be taken never to drop the milk snake or harm it in the process. Handling that isn’t gentle enough may provoke the milk snake.
How Often Should I Handle My Milk Snake?
Milk snakes can be slightly feisty when they are babies, attributed to them being nervous, shy, afraid, and defensive, or simply since they have not become accustomed to living in captivity yet.
They can also be moody when they’re “teenagers”, but this period doesn’t last very long. Similarly, milk snakes can be irritable or fussy when they are nearing the end of their lives.
However, the more quality time you spend bonding with your milk snake, the more comfortable and well-behaved it will be.
Always empathize with your milk snake, giving them space when they need it and affection when the moment arises.
Handle your milk snake more frequently when they are young to build trust, and handle them less often when they are old to respect them while still showing that you care.
Milk snakes are incredibly easy to love and care for in the long run and will stand the test of time as long as they are taken care of properly.
Many of their inherent attributes make them excellent household pets and great options even for persons who have never had a pet snake before.
